S&Ts: A Blessing or a Curse for the Public Service?

Subsistence and Travel Allowances (S&Ts), are meant to assist employees with travel, accommodation and meal expenses for official duties outside their normal areas of work.

The rates differ depending on the destination and whether provisions such as transport, meals or accommodation have already been made.

For years, public servants in Namibia have raised concerns about low S&T rates.

They argued the money was not enough to cover basic expenses during official trips.

Their frustration was understandable.

Inflation and rising costs have made travel increasingly expensive, yet the rates remained stagnant.

After years of complaints, the government announced that, effective April, the S&T rates would be increased. This was met with mixed reactions.

MIXED FEELINGS

While many welcomed the change, others questioned whether it was financially sustainable and whether it might strain the country’s already struggling economy.

There are also those who fear that the adjustment will mainly benefit senior officials.

It should be noted that even before this review, there were already reports of misuse of S&Ts in the public service.

Some officials were found to have abused the system and, in one case, a minister was ordered to repay funds.

If misuse occurred when the rates were low, one can only imagine what could happen now that the rates have increased.

The review could, therefore, be either a blessing or a curse.

It could mean that public servants are finally adequately supported during official travel, or it could become an opportunity for some to enrich themselves.

Another concerning observation is that many public servants misunderstand the purpose of S&Ts.

Some believe it is a benefit that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of whether their duties require travel.

It is not uncommon to hear complaints from employees who feel left out because they do not travel as often as others.

This misconception is particularly common among staff in lower positions who often perceive travel as a privilege rather than a work necessity.

PULLING RANK

However, the most troubling effect of the S&T increase seems to be among senior staff members.

It has, in some cases, undermined the culture of delegation. Some senior officials prefer to attend every meeting or event that involves travel, even when their presence is not necessary.

At times, they accompany juniors unnecessarily, almost as though there’s a competition over who travels more.

If a study was conducted comparing the number of official trips undertaken by senior staff members before and after the S&T review, it would likely reveal a significant increase.

Unfortunately, this trend compromises productivity and leadership development within the public service.

When seniors fail to delegate, they deny their subordinates opportunities exposure and empowerment, which are essential for professional growth. 

Interestingly, the only time many senior officials seem to delegate a junior member is when an event or activity is taking place locally, where participants are not eligible to claim S&T.

This selective delegation reflects a troubling pattern that undermines genuine mentorship and staff development.

It is paradoxical that some supervisors trust their subordinates to act in their absence but not to represent them at meetings or events. This lack of delegation reflects poorly on leadership culture.

POLICY AND PURPOSE

A strong leader empowers and uplifts others by giving them opportunities to learn and grow through participation and responsibility. 

The public service already struggles to promote personal development and career growth because of rigid promotion policies.

The least senior officials can do is to empower their subordinates by delegating tasks and allowing them to represent the office in various capacities.

Doing so strengthens both individuals and the institution.

Ultimately, the new S&T rates should serve their intended purpose: to facilitate official duties, not to enrich individuals or encourage unnecessary travel.

The challenge lies in ensuring that this policy is managed responsibly and that integrity takes precedence over selfishness.

Whether the new S&Ts become a blessing or a curse will depend entirely on how we, as public servants, choose to handle it.

• Asser Nakale is an assistant archivist for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture in the Oshikoto region. This article is written in his personal capacity. Facebook: Asser L N Nakale; email: laudikanakale@gmail.com

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